We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, and earnestly desiring to secure these blessings undiminished to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution.[1]

Article III of the Michigan Constitution is entitled "General Government" and consists of eight sections. It deals with miscellaneous provisions, such as the state seal, seat of government and separation of powers.

Article V of the Michigan Constitution is entitled "Executive Branch" and consists of 30 sections. It establishes the executive branch and describes the powers and qualifications of the governor and lieutenant governor.

History

Prior to becoming a state, Michigan was part of the Northwest Territory. During that period, Detroit was the territorial capital, and Michigan was governed by a unicameral body called the Territorial Council.[2]

Michigan has had four constitutions. The first, written in 1835, allowed Michigan to become a state. The next two were approved in 1850 and 1908. The current constitution was approved by voters in 1963.[2]